Junior For The Mountain Man

by Crowne, K. C.

  Caleb shrugged his shoulders but didn’t look up at me. I sat down on the floor beside him, crossing my legs. I noticed he wasn’t so much as playing with the toy trucks as just running them into each other over and over again.

  “I miss my daddy.” His voice trembled as he spoke.

  “Oh honey,” I said, putting an arm around him and hugging him close. “I know. We all do.”

  “I wanna see my daddy.”

  A knot formed in my throat. He was going to see his daddy again, but it wasn’t like he expected. I dreaded having to explain to him that his father was in the coffin. It was a closed casket funeral as Andy was found in pretty rough shape, or so I’d been told when I talked to the funeral director about plans for the funeral. I’d wanted Caleb to see his father, thinking it might offer closure, but there simply was no way. His father wouldn’t look like the man he remembered, and it would only make the funeral worse for him.

  So I couldn’t tell him that he’d see his daddy, because it wouldn’t feel that way to him. He was too little to understand the complexities of death.

  “We’re going to say goodbye to your daddy today, Caleb, but I’m sorry, you won’t get to see him.”

  “Why?” He looked up at me with red eyes and tear stained cheeks.

  “I— I don’t know how to explain it, honey.” I felt like honesty was the best policy. I knew that lying or talking about religion would only confuse the boy further. I had to think about everything I’d said and make sure it wouldn’t make it harder for him.

  “Why, Piper? Why?” He buried his head into my chest, his hands balled into little fists and holding tightly onto my t-shirt. His sobs caused him to shake against me. “I want my daddy.”

  “I know, baby. I know. I wish I could bring him back for you. I’d do anything to make that happen.” I stroked his hair and cried with him. Once he calmed down and the tears stopped flowing, I wiped his cheeks and told him. “It’s okay to cry, and it’s okay to miss him. You’re going to see a lot of people crying for your daddy today. If you get scared, just tell me and we can leave, got it?”

  He sniffled and nodded his head.

  I hoped he understood what I was saying. God, I wanted him to trust me, to come to me whenever he was hurting or stressed. I’d do anything for that little boy. Absolutely anything.

  “Alright, sweetie, let’s get some breakfast and get you dressed.” I stood up and helped him to his feet. He took my hand and we walked down the hallway toward the kitchen, where Tabby had already set out some bowls of yogurt, fruit, and granola for us.

  Caleb usually ate it right up, but today he stared at the bowl and pushed the strawberries around.

  “You okay, sweetie? You usually love strawberries.”

  “Daddy gave me cereal.”

  “You want cereal instead? What kind of cereal?”

  “The kind with marshmows.”

  “Marshmallows, you mean?” He nodded. “We don’t have any here right now, but I promise the next time I’m at the store, I’ll pick some up. Is that alright?”

  Caleb seemed to think about it for a second before nodding in agreement. He started eating the strawberries from his bowl. I looked at Tabby, feeling like I might break into a million pieces. My sister reached across the table and squeezed my hand.

  As if she could read my mind, she said, “You’ve got this, Piper. I believe in you.”

  Chapter 13

  Grant

  The trip to the doctor with Caleb had been difficult. He was pretty down that day, and he didn’t talk as much. He’d stared at me with those big, dark eyes, like he could see through my soul, and every time, it brought back memories I wanted to forget.

  I couldn’t have an episode when I was alone with the boy. It was hard, but I managed to keep my shit together. He behaved, mostly just seemed sad, and was checked out by the doctor, who said he’d need some special shoes - which we’d get for him. No problem.

  I was already sucked in. I’d do anything for Caleb. Just like I’d have done anything for another little boy on the other side of the world, if I could have saved his life.

  I knew Piper was taking him to the funeral. Funerals were tough for me; I’d seen too many good folks die in my life already. I would have avoided the funeral altogether if I could - I hardly knew Andy, after all. But I wasn’t going for Andy.

  I was going for Caleb and Piper.

  I waited in the parking lot for them to arrive. I recognized Piper’s car as it pulled in and watched as she got out of the driver’s side. She was wearing a black dress with a delicate lace overlay and lace sleeves. Her hair was down but straightened smooth and looked like silky framing her face. It blew in the wind as she stepped toward the back door to grab Caleb.

  I got out of my truck and walked toward her, watching her every movement. The way her hips swished as she walked, her cute little ass as she bent down into the backseat. I knew it was the wrong place and time, but damn, she was beautiful.

  With Caleb in her arms, she turned back around, and our eyes met. I wasn’t too far away, but it felt like time slowed down as I made my way over to them.

  As I got closer, Piper looked more and more beautiful. She’d worn more makeup than usual, her lips a soft red and her eyelashes darker and thicker than I was used to seeing. I didn’t know much about that stuff, but it was obvious she’d put some effort into her appearance - and she looked amazing.

  Caleb was the first one to speak. “Grant!” he called out.

  Piper put him down on the ground, and he rushed toward me, almost like all was right in the world again. God, how I wished that were the case. I lifted him into my arms and swung his legs outward. He smiled wide at me, and it was the most adorable look I’d ever seen. I was just glad he was happy for a little bit.

  Piper walked over to me, followed by Tabby, who I hadn’t even noticed until that moment. Piper’s face was all seriousness. Her jaw clenched tight. Her hands balled into fists. Her eyes darted around the parking lot as if she was afraid of the big, bad wolf jumping out from behind a car or something.

  “Everything okay?” I asked.

  Tabby answered. “Yeah, just some family drama. We’re trying to avoid certain people, if we can help it.”

  My gaze never left Piper. She was still searching the parking lot with anxiety in her eyes. “I don’t think they’re here yet,” she said at last. “Maybe we can get in and out before—”

  Her voice trailed off as a black BMW pulled into the parking lot. All of our eyes were on the car. Even Caleb seemed to watch it closely, likely curious about why the adults were staring at it so intently. The car parked on the other side of the lot, and Lars Russo stepped out. Piper and Tabby both let out a collective sigh of relief.

  “I think that’s the first time anyone has ever been relieved to see that ass—er, jerk,” I said.

  Piper managed a small smile and a chuckle, reaching for Caleb. “I think we should head inside now, don’t you think?”

  “Bad man,” Caleb said, clutching onto me instead of going to Piper. He watched as Lars walked into the funeral home.

  “Why’s that man bad, sweetie?” Piper asked.

  “He yelled at daddy. A lot.”

  Piper and I looked at each other. Lars’ brother, Donovan, had caused all kinds of trouble for the town of Liberty. Andy had filed a suit against the Russo brothers' business. While technically his death was deemed an accident, I wouldn’t put it past a scumbag like Lars to murder him and make it look like an accident.

  Then again, he was also being sued by Andy, and yelling at the lawyer who’s bringing a lawsuit against your business is probably par for the course. We couldn’t just go off a three-year-old’s words. Still, I decided to keep an eye on Lars.

  Piper reached for Caleb again, but Caleb shook his head. “No. I want Grant.”

  She seemed flustered, but I assured her, “I’ve got him. Don’t worry.”

  Tabby led the way into the funeral home, with Piper following. I took
up the rear with Caleb.

  “Does that man scare you?” I asked him. Caleb nodded, his eyes as big as I’d ever seen them. “Don’t worry about him. I’ll protect you.”

  “Piper too?” he asked.

  Piper looked over her shoulder at the little boy, and there was nothing but love in that look. She loved Caleb so much, as if he were her own, and it showed.

  “Oh, but let’s not worry about Aunt Tabby, huh?” Tabby teased from the front, playfully sticking her tongue out at Caleb. Caleb laughed and it was such a beautiful sound.

  “I’ll protect everyone,” I whispered to Caleb. “You have nothing to worry about, little man.” I ruffled his hair, which Piper scowled at me for doing. I quickly smoothed it back down as we entered the chapel.

  She was right about us being some of the first people there. Lars Russo was sitting in the very far corner, away from the entrance and the casket. I wasn’t sure why he’d be there. It felt almost in bad taste, considering everything that had happened, but I tried not to focus on him too much. I didn’t want to draw Caleb’s attention to the big, foreboding man in the corner.

  People started filing in, and Piper and Tabby greeted everyone since they were the closest family. Caleb stayed in my arms, eyes wide as he took everything in. He didn’t seem to know what was going on or why people were crying. Piper came back to check on him often.

  “You doing okay, sweetie?” she asked him. He nodded, though he didn’t look at her. He watched everyone around them.

  “Who are all these people?” I whispered to Piper.

  “Some are people Andy worked with, including people from his other offices around the state,” she said. Her eyes narrowed in on a family that entered. Sighing, she added, “And others are long-lost family members who finally decided to show up when they heard about an inheritance.”

  I recognized Thomas Davis and his wife. His daughter was all grown up now, but I recognized her as well. All blonde hair and designer clothes, she stuck out like a sore thumb. That and she seemed annoyed at even being there.

  Thomas’s eyes fell on us, and he moved toward us. Piper tensed up, then groaned as an older couple entered the room. “And there’s the rest of the leeches known as my family.”

  I didn’t recognize those people, but they also headed in our direction. Like it or not, we were about to meet everyone.

  Tabby stepped in front of us, blocking the way.

  “We don’t want any trouble, Tabitha,” the older woman said.

  “Then please respect our wishes at this time,” Tabby retorted. “That’s all we ask.”

  I had no idea what was happening, and Caleb studied these new people carefully before hiding his face in the crook of my neck. Piper had always said he was shy, but I’d had trouble believing it. In that moment, I saw the shy side of him I’d only heard about before.

  “Tabby, it’s fine. Don’t start a scene,” Piper spoke softly to her sister. “It’ll just cause Caleb more stress.”

  Tabby looked at Piper like she wanted to argue, but she stepped aside eventually. The older couple rushed forward.

  “This must be Andy’s son,” the older woman said.

  “Yes, this is Caleb.” Piper’s voice was clipped.

  “Can you put him down so I can see him?”

  I looked at Piper, who shook her head. “As you can see, he’s a bit shy and nervous. I’d rather not force him to interact if he doesn’t want to.”

  “But I’m his aunt!” she argued.

  “Grace, with all due respect, you’re a total stranger to him.”

  Grace huffed, crossing her arms in front of chest, then she glared at me as if noticing me for the first time. She waved her hand flippantly at me. “And who’s this?”

  “Excuse me?” I said. “I should be asking who the hell you are.”

  Piper shot me a look, and I pressed my lips into a line as she stepped up and did the introductions. This was her aunt Grace and uncle John. I already knew Thomas and Nadia, and Michaela, who rolled her eyes when she was introduced to me, having to look up from her smartphone long enough to say hello.

  Caleb peeked at them, his head on my shoulder. As soon as Grace saw the opportunity, she reacted. “Ah, there you are, come to Aunt Grace, sweetie,” she said, reaching for the boy.

  Caleb grabbed onto me tighter, burying his face once more.

  “Please, Grace, give it time.” Piper sounded exhausted. “He’s already upset enough.”

  “You won’t keep me from him. Whether you’ll admit it or not, the boy is better off with us.”

  “Alright, Grace,” Thomas said, stepping up and taking his sister by the shoulders. “I think it’s time we paid our respects to Andy.”

  “Yeah, isn’t that the reason you came all this way?” I asked antagonistically. “Pay your respects to the man by not harassing his son.”

  Piper shot me a grateful smile.

  Grace continued to huff and puff, but Thomas and her husband were able to walk her away. Thomas glanced over his shoulder, “Piper, don’t think this is the end of it. We will be requesting visitation, and soon, so you better be prepared to hand over the boy at some point.”

  “We can schedule a visitation after the funeral, Thomas, I’m not trying to keep him away from family,” she said. “I’m merely trying to protect him during the most confusing and traumatic moment of his life.”

  Caleb sniffled, and even though I couldn’t see his face, I knew he was crying. His entire body shook in my arms as he began to sob. Piper and Tabby rushed to his side.

  “What’s wrong, sweetie?” Piper asked, rubbing Caleb’s back.

  I couldn’t see his face still, but Piper was beside me and could see him much better than I could.

  “I want to go home,” he whimpered.

  Piper and I shared a look, and she nodded. “Okay, Caleb. Let’s go home, baby.”

  I carried him out to the car, all eyes on us as we left the funeral before it had even begun. Piper was right to take him home. There was too much going on, too many people that scared him. From Lars to Grace, it was just a shitstorm for the poor kid.

  Piper secured him in the car seat and was getting into the driver’s side when she stopped. She was staring across the parking lot.

  “What is it?” Tabby asked.

  I turned to look for myself and saw Lars standing outside the funeral home doors. He seemed to be looking our way. It sent a chill down my spine.

  “I’m going to follow you home.”

  Piper nodded, but neither of us could stop staring at Lars. I swear, his lips pulled back into the most sinister of sneers as he watched us.

  “Better yet, why don’t you guys come over to my place,” I said. “I’d feel much safer with you nearby.”

  I expected Piper to argue, to say I was overreacting. But Lars was still staring at us with that malevolent grin on his face.

  Tabby piped up, “Yeah, that might not be a bad idea.”

  Piper nodded again, climbing into the car.

  “I’ll be right behind you.” I hurried to my truck, never taking my eyes off Piper’s car. I hopped inside, and I followed their car to my house. They could stay as long as they needed, and personally, I felt much safer with them there than anywhere else.

  Chapter 14

  Piper

  “I want to go home,” Caleb repeated for probably the hundredth time that day.

  My heart stuttered every single time he said those words. I soon discovered that home wasn’t Grant’s place, it wasn’t my place - it was his home, the home he’d shared with his father.

  “Soon, baby.” I stroked his soft hair back from his face, hoping I could work something out to get us into his home. He deserved some semblance of familiarity.

  We were at Grant’s house and had spent the majority of the day there. Tabby was getting restless and wanted to go to our house, but I wouldn’t allow it. Finally, we’d come to an agreement that she’d go to Leah’s hotel. There were always people there, and she�
�d lock herself in a room and not answer the door. I felt slightly better that way.

  Grant, Caleb, and I were alone. We sat around his dining room table - the table his parents had when were younger. I had eaten many meals around the table, since his family took my sister and I in a lot.

  The house was very much as it had been when we were younger. Grant had hardly changed a thing, besides a few minor upgrades and repairs needed as the house aged. Otherwise, it still felt like home to me.

  Obviously, less so for Caleb.

  Grant put a plate of food in front of Caleb, who frowned and pushed it away. Grant didn’t seem to notice as he handed me a plate of food as well.

  “Just something to tide us over until dinner,” he murmured.

  He’d made us some ham sandwiches with sliced tomatoes and chips on the side. Nothing fancy, but I was starving, and Caleb had to be too. It had been hours since we’d had breakfast.

  Caleb refused to touch his food. While I didn’t want to push him too far, considering the circumstances, I did want to encourage some manners. “Caleb, sweetie, what do you say when someone does something nice for you?”

  Caleb shrugged and wouldn’t even look at me. He crossed his arms and placed them on the table, resting his head on them. He was ignoring me on purpose. He wasn’t happy, and while it might be easy to think his mood was simply a temper tantrum, I knew it went deeper than that.

  And thankfully, Grant did too. “Hey, buddy, what would you like you eat instead? If I have it, I’ll make it for you. I know you’ve had a rough day.”

  “Nothing.”

  “Are you not hungry?” he asked quietly.

  Caleb didn’t answer this time. He just shrugged. Grant and I looked at each other.

  “It’s okay, I know you’ve been through a lot today,” I said. “Just let me know when you’re hungry and what you want to eat. We’ll figure it out together, okay?”

  Caleb stared at me, as if he was contemplating my words. It almost seemed as if he expected me to push the issue. Maybe his father had taken after mine, who likely had taken after his father. I don’t know, but Caleb seemed surprised that I didn’t force him to eat that very second.